The College of Letters and Science cooperates with the College of Health Sciences to offer an undergraduate certificate in Food Studies. The certificate is designed to help students become proficient at:

Investigating and analyzing food systems and practices in a variety of cultural, social, and geographical settings;

Presenting their critical reflections on the forces that surround these systems and practices in both written and oral form;

Using information (statistical, textual, first-hand accounts, etc.) as a basis for formulating plans for personally and socially responsible action pertinent to local and global food and health; and

Becoming active in the community by participating in activities that develop responsible and sustainable practices, promote cross-cultural understanding, and help people in disparate professions or academic fields understand the relationships the study of food has with their own specializations.

The program is administered by an advisory committee composed of faculty members from both the College of Letters and Science and the College of Health Sciences.

The interdisciplinary undergraduate certificate program in Food Studies explores the many facets of food, from the field and sea to the table, through the lenses of the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences. Combining courses in the Liberal Arts and Health Sciences, it addresses the production and consumption of food and its symbolic and ideological meanings, across cultures and over time, from the beginning of agriculture to globalization.

Eligibility

The Certificate in Food Studies is open to all students seeking a bachelor’s degree from UWM, to those who previously received a bachelor’s degree from UWM or any other accredited college or university, and to those who do not plan to pursue a college or university degree (non-degree students) but who have a strong interest in this subject. To be admitted to the university as non-degree students, individuals must meet regular University admission requirements. The Certificate is awarded jointly by the College of Health Sciences and the College of Letters and Science.

Students concurrently enrolled in a degree program who successfully complete the certificate program requirements will be awarded the certificate at the time of graduation. Post-baccalaureate and non-degree students will receive the certificate upon completion of the program requirements. Graduate students are eligible to pursue the Food Studies certificate concurrently with their graduate studies, and they will be awarded the certificate upon completion of the program requirements.

Requirements

To earn the certificate, students must complete 18 credits in approved Food Studies courses, with a minimum grade point average of 2.500, including:

A senior research or capstone course offered by another program and approved as a Food Studies content course

Total Credits

21

Of the 18 required credits, at least 9 credits must be taken at the advanced level (courses numbered 300 and above) and at least 9 credits must be taken in residence at UWM. No more than 9 credits in one curricular code may be counted towards the certificate. Students are limited to 3 credits in independent studies and 3 credits in internships.

Approved Electives

The following courses are approved to count toward the Food Studies Certificate. Additional courses may be found each semester in the Schedule of Classes. In addition, students are encouraged to consult the Program Coordinators and to petition for the inclusion of relevant courses as appropriate.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Our Catalog is a general source of information about course offerings, academic programs and requirements, expenses, rules, and policies. The University reserves the right to change the information published in this Catalog without notice. Students are advised to consult with their individual School/College or department for the most up-to-date information about program requirements.